Appetizers to please this Christmas Eve

POTATO NESTS

Method:

In a large saucepan, bring unpeeled potatoes and enough cold water to cover to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer potatoes until just cooked, about 20 minutes.

Drain potatoes, let cool and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until cold.

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Lightly grease mini muffin tins. Peel and coarsely grate potatoes. Gently toss potatoes with salt and pepper in a bowl.

Place about one heaped tablespoon of potato mixture into each muffin cup and press against bottom and up sides, allowing some mixture to extend above rim. (Do not spread mixture too thin or holes will form while baking.)

Bake potato nests until edges are dark golden, about 25 minutes. Cool nests in pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully remove nests from pans and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to set. (Nests may be made up to 4 hours ahead; leave at room temperature.)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place potato nests on a clean, large baking sheet and bake until heated through and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer potato nests to a platter.

Fill with some of your favourite toppings and serve.

Ideas:

Sour cream and smoked salmon.

Tuna/chicken and mayo

Caramelised onions with cheese

ONION TARTLETS

100g butter

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

2/3 cup milk

Method:

Melt two tablespoons butter in a large heavy frying pan over low heat.

Add onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt and thyme and a sprinkle of sugar. Cook until tender and lightly browned, 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease two baking sheets with cooking spray.

Mix flour, baking powder, sugar and remaining 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl.

Rub remaining butter into flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Add milk and mix into dough and turn out onto a floured surface.

Roll dough into little balls and place on baking sheets.

Presss an indentation into center of each ball and spoon in a little onion mixture.

Bake until golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

BACON WRAPPED PRUNES WITH BLUE CHEESE

These are delicious and very easy to make for a party and can be made in advance.

500g streaky bacon

100g blue cheese

500g pitted dates or prunes

Method:

Slice dates/prunes in half, and open them up. Pinch off pieces of blue cheese, and place them into the center of the dates.

Close the halves of the dates, and wrap a half-slice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick.

Arrange on a baking sheet. Bake at 180 degrees until the bacon is crisp. About 10 minutes each side.

Turn over halfway during cooking.

Serve at room temperature.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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